Diving: Hunt tops the standings in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series after three stops

Hampshire diver Gary Hunt made it back-to-back wins in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series competition with another sensational victory on Ireland's Inis Mór on Sunday afternoon.

The three-times champion had unfinished business after a disappointing result there two years ago and reached another personal goal, beating 13 other divers, from ten different countries, to first place after diving 28 metres into the spectacular Serpent's Lair.

Hunt said: “It’s quite special, this one.”

“Having come here two years ago and having a really tough competition when I was not at my best and got the worst result of my career.

“It’s been great to get the win. I have to say that I was bit nervous when I saw this competition on the calendar. It’s such a challenge, but to have got through it and taken the win it’s pretty special.

“Two wins in a row definitely makes a statement and is definitely going to help me in my challenge for the top spot.

“I’ve got a nice lead now, but with just one mistake you could miss a final and then that lead is gone so I’m not taking anything for granted.”

Hunt was not only awarded the day’s highest score for a single dive (158.10pts) but was crowned the winner of the season’s third competition with a total of 488.40pts.

He was joined by Steven LoBue (475.40pts) in second place and Jonathan Paredes (475.20pts) came third.

After three of the seven stops Hunt increased his lead to 150 points over his American competitor LoBue (380pts) and Mexico’s rising star Paredes (360pts). Reigning World Series champion Artem Silchenko, from Russia, is currently dealing with a shoulder injury and sits in fifth place (270pts).

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